Welcome to Coffee Shop 17

[bnsf971]

Do ya thinks that Fiat thing can pull a 16' tandum axle trailer loaded down with 2000lbs of equipment on it

I just found top-secret surveillance footage of Fiat's largest car pulling a travel trailer:

http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/sports/Trailer_Pull/#922

 

[blownoutcylinder]

I just found top-secret surveillance footage of Fiat's largest car pulling a travel trailer:

http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/sports/Trailer_Pull/#922

Yep.

That would be the result----Oh, BTW, No trailers will be allowed. You now will have to go to a specialist class of businesses who will do your yard sales pick ups as they will have the special licenses to do that---you people don't know how to do that properly either

At the rate this is going they may have travel permits next on the list

 

[RexHea]

Good Morning all! A hot one coming on here. It's already 86deg!

Turn in your gas hog for an incentive? Yeah, right! That is like the gun turn-in that some cities have had: turn in your $500 Glock and we will give you $50.

No Pick'um Ups?? Nope, N.Americans are too much in love with their trucks and they will only get mine when they pry my dead hands from my Glock. Then again, maybe the POTUS and his coolies will offer to send a National Guard truck to pull your travel trailers and load lumber/trash for you...FREE! I believe some of the Greenies (and Nancy P.) need to be plucked from the vine and left in the sun for awhile. Maybe that will help them understand the word "reality". I didn't realize that anyone already stupid could get "more" stupid. Shissh!

On the hobby front, I've been trying to work in some signal light installations. Yeah, more of them; these are the ones in Yoga areas that I have been putting off. My work on them has to be between all the laborious jobs my wifey has been assigning me. With a new patio porch roof going in, there has now been an urgent need to paint(stain) the porch. Well, FIRST I have to remove/replace old screen and lattice, pressure wash everything, all of this in-between the carpenters. I finally told her yesterday, when they are done, I will continue on the redo...period. She then quickly found something else for me. (is there no end?) HELP!!!

 

[Larry]

I was trying to get some photo's of a giant Papermill in Sylva, NC w/a lot of RR sidings. I was standing on the edge of their property on a thru paved road & the next thing their security swooped in on me & asked what I thought I was doing. I told them I had a giant model RR layout & wanted to copy some of the buildings for the layout. I was also taking pictures of their covered unloading area for boxcars. They finally let me finish what I was doing & stayed right there all the time watching me. Finally I moved the car to the other side of the highway & took some more pics. They stayed until I drove off. A papermill, for security, ya gotta be kidd'in me. Never would happen in Florida.
I'll post the pictures when I get home next week.

 

[wheeler1963]

Larry, it's getting that way everywhere these days. You would think that the camera hanging around your neck would be explanation enough!! LOL I'm shooting for Saturday morning 8am arrival there. Just be me and the bike, momma has other plans Saturday. I'll call you Friday night to make sure everything is still on.

 

[Graham Line]

This story is getting very odd. Now with Fiat being the de facto owner there is going to be some huge changes---one of which will be a massive retooling of Chrysler into an egg car manufactory. The largest vehicle they have appears to be that dang 500 thing Largest engines? maybe a 4 cylinder which will strain at 60hp. Top end? 50mph. OY

Hard to say what's going to happen -- I keep thinking about Renault's attempts to get into the US market by taking over American Motors.
Fiat markets cars up to about the size of an Acura TSX, and Alfa Romeo and Ferrari are part of the corporate mix. The car that's sold here in the US as the Suzuki SX4 is marketed in Europe as a Fiat and comes out of a Polish factory. Except there you can get it with a 40+ mpg diesel.
What we will probably get are Chrysler-Fiat hybrids based on existing platforms with some technology transfer. Chrysler had some interesting stuff in its line-up.
Don't forget that Fiat also builds Iveco trucks and has its fingers deep into one of the big US farm equipment makers. It's not Guido and the boys pounding out body panels on tree stumps.
A couple car mags have clocked the new Abarth-Fiat 500 at 130 mph or so.

 

[stationmaster]

Karl, let me know if you need some SERIOUS weaponry.

Corey, were the sunglasses menat to keep your eyes shaded or keep you out of trouble?

And they can have my trucks when they come up with a vehicle that can tote a 13,000# boat cross-country and get 35mpg. Until then.....I keep the trucks. And the hot rods. Would be a shame to shred a '56 Nomad, a '41 Willys, and the '38 sedan delivery as well as a few others. They sit in the garage and look pretty most of the year. Some do make it to a few car shows but we haven't been to any in over 3 years.

If the Feds try to take them, they'd better bring a lunch, a cot, some pillows and blankets. It might take a while. I will keep a few of the things and not send my WHOLE gun safe to Karl.

Bob

 

[UP2CSX]

Afternoon, everyone.

The (former) Chrysler is actually owned by the UAW, with a 55% share of the company, assuming this bankruptcy judge remain in lockstep with the government plan. Fiat only owns 20% of the company, which it got essentially for nothing, with financing from the US and Canadian governments. It will act as a management consultant and do exactly what they are told by the UAW and the government. The US government (taxpayers) owns 20%, the Canadian government (taxpayers) own 4%, and the secured bond holders that were "cooperative" get a whole 1%. Bond holders that didn't exchange their bonds for stock in a basically worthless company before the deadline get nothing. This is unprecedented in American history and puts the whole concept of contract law and investor rights in doubt. The waves will extend far beyond Chrysler and, a year from now, I think most people will wish Chrysler and GM had been allowed to go through a normal bankruptcy rather then this government sponsored takeover.

Terry, that was a hilarious video. I wonder how many times we'll see that in the future here?

The "Cash for Clunkers" bill still has to make it thought the Senate, where California Democrat Dianne Feinstein doesn't think the House bill is quite draconian enough. To get the $4500, your current vehicle has to get 17 mpg (city) or less and you can only use the money to buy a passenger car (no SUV's, vans, or pickups) that gets at least 13 mpg more than your current gas hog. That means the new car has to get somewhere around 30 mpg. Guess how many Ford cars qualify? Guess how many Chrysler and GM egg cars will qualify? Your trade-in will be crushed and sold for scrap metal. A great way to create artificial demand at more cost of the taxpayer. Of course, all this is purely voluntary for now. Assuming that the projected 17 people who take advantage of this offer isn't quite enough, I'm sure a more "intensive" plan will be passed next. There's probably no chance that mandatory inspections of what's in your garage is next....probably.

Larry, the expansion of government power is now emboldening people like security guards to think they can tell you what you can and cannot do on public property. If you have a camera, you could be a terrorist, so anything goes. Now, the Muslim "convert" who shot one soldier to death and wounded another outside the recruiting center didn't have a camera so no problem with terrorism there. The guy who opened fire at the Holocaust museum a few hours ago also didn't have a camera so he was an OK guy too...well, until he shot one security guard and other security guards opened fire and killed him before he could shoot anyone else.

As y'all can probably tell, I'm feeling a bit cynical today. I spent 28 years as a police officer to uphold the law and now I see our rights slowly being eroded away and very few people seem to know or care. It's also hotter than crap down here. Just walking to the mailbox is enough to give you heat stroke. But the really big news of the day is Donald Trump fired Miss California, Carrie Prejean. That should give the evening news at least five minutes of pap to discuss while the American people are lulled to sleep.

 

[Larry]

Larry, it's getting that way everywhere these days. You would think that the camera hanging around your neck would be explanation enough!! LOL I'm shooting for Saturday morning 8am arrival there. Just be me and the bike, momma has other plans Saturday. I'll call you Friday night to make sure everything is still on.

Remember Jerome, my cell phone doesn't work up here in the mountains & everything is still a "go".

 

[vato loco]

I been holding off getting my business licence for my lawn service......But if this shread your gas hog comes about well I'll have to bite the bullet get the licence or start shooting people But I also heared Uncle O want to tax the hell out of business that use gas and two cycle equipmet too Can't win Clean your guns boys were going hunting


This small car thing is nut's, I mean honesty who wants to drive a car with less horse power and slower take off than your common lawn tractor Come on America get SERIOUS! Really.......

 

[vato loco]

BTW: I'm changing out the old BBQ grills at work and got two nice grills fer the house! I'm fixing to head back out to plant them! Maybe this weekend I'll PO a tree hugger Burn some Carbon and cook up some Belly Buster Burgers! I'll take some Pic's of them when I get the grills in and painted!

 

[Sandy]

Hey All...

I have a sign hanging in my office at work. It is a quote from the last election campaign. BO said "We live in the greatest nation in the world. I hope you will join me as we try to change it." An actual quote. And people still pulled that lever. Go figure.

Anyhooooo...

We have been having some amazing weather so far this pre-summer season. Had tornados hit Aurora on Sunday and damage a mall. Only injury was to a guy who tried to get up close for some photos.

Yesterday sirens were blaring constantly in Ft Lupton where I was taking care of a little 101 y/o lady. We kept an eye on the weather so we could head for the basement if we needed to. Fortunately the storms bypassed us by 5 miles or so. One funnel did touch down by my Dad's home in Firestone. They were headed to their basement, but the funnel didn't do a great deal of damage to the area. I have to head to Longmont (25 miles) for a hair appt this afternoon, and the skies are looking rather ominous, so wish me luck

We have had plenty of rain and few hot days so far. Did bump the 90's once. I am so enjoying the 60's/70's.

Jeffrey...hope your Mom is doing very well.

Chris...how goes the diet? and how is your wife doing?

Corey...sounds like an interesting vacation

Since people found out that I took care of the little lady, I have had offers almost every day for more "tending" jobs. From taking care of elderly folks to housesitting and watching people's animals. Pays pretty well...maybe a career change is an option

I hope ya'll are doing well!

Sandy

 

[kbkchooch]

I just found top-secret surveillance footage of Fiat's largest car pulling a travel trailer:

http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/sports/Trailer_Pull/#922

Egads thats funny, worse yet, the first thought that entered my slightly deranged head. "Gee, is that Jim and his travel trailer??"

Speaking of Jim, thanks for the "cash for clunkers" expaination. I can breath a little easier now, as the rabid Ranger gets about 24-25 mpg normally. BUT I dont wanna hear no "no trailers" smack. Even with the trailer in tow, I can still beat 17 mpg in flat country! So they can buzz off!

Bob. Semi auto's (will full auto conversion) would be appreciated! The shotgun gives the truck a real "country" look, but I'm afraid it just isn't serious enough!

Corey, What ever happened to what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas??

Rex, I feel your pain on the "honey do list". However, the old adage does ring true. If she ain't happy, nobody's happy!

Chris 2 grills + belly busters = all the "gas" you can use! Just keep it down your way, O.K??

Larry Even before 9/11 I ran into this at the NS yard in Hagerstown. Pulled into the parking lot at the yard, was still in the car and an NS cop came flying in. He wanted to see our licenses and why specificly we were there. We explained we were just railfanning and trying some ISO 1000 speed film, and wanted to see how the photos would turn out. At that point my buddy offered the cop a doughnut, as we had just stopped to get them nearby. The honeydipped doughnuts were still hot from the bakery!! After he ate one, he told us that we could take all the pics we wanted, but had to stay in the car. Hey, no prob, the locos were right there! After grabbing a second doughnut, he bid us goodnight and disappeared. From there on out, we never went railfanning without donuts around Hagerstown!!

BOC, I hear you! What next, cops screaming (in a bad German accent) "Papers, you have papers??"

Well the sky is turning dark now, and thunder is rolling. Thank goodness I just finished cutting the lawn! Hopefully we wont be getting any sleet like yesterday, dang near wiped out the tomato plants! I'll be back later! However we did discover that Midnight is deathly afraid of thunderstorms! This means no kitty holding during storms, because thunder makes his claws come out!! Owwww!

 

[bnsf971]

I never cease to be amazed by the security types that think if you have a camera around your neck you are a terrorist (or worse, a foamer). If somebody was a terrorist taking photos, you would never see them do it, and the cameras would not be hung around their neck advertising it.

 

[blownoutcylinder]

Hello peoples----

Had a hurry up and wait day. Got all the client visits dine then had no fiddlework to do because the work 'pooters server went-----'PTOOOFF!!

-----------------------------------------

All this yipping about the egg cars got me thinkin' about how the greenfascistas must be champing at the bit for even stranger regulations---and there being a certain NancyP-------ok---I'll shut up now---

 

[Screwjack]

Evenin' guys!

Man, I hope all these people who wanted change like the change they are getting

Well it was another busy one for me at work, I am pretty tired.

You should check out the security at the littel airports, man it's getting ridiculous. I have to have a key or a key card to go anywhere now days. Really cramps my style after being at the airport for 26 years. Oh well...

Jeffery; Hey man, how's your mom doing? Haven't heard lately...

I did get some time to work on my mountain I wanted to try and make out of foam. I got it shaped and painted brown, now I want to do some acrylic wash to make it look better, I think

Check it out, My first mountain..., and please be brutally honest on what you guys think of it

Going to hit the sack, talk to you guys later...

 

[bnsf971]

"Brutally Honest?"...

Check it out, My first mountain..., and please be brutally honest on what you guys think of it

(Rubs hands together with sadistic glee)...The mountains look better in brown than pink. Strata is very seldom completely horizontal, if you can raise one end of the mountain, it won't look so much like styrofoam stacked together. A small chunk of styrofoam inside the curve at the same angle as the stuff on the outside of the curve will make it look more like a cut the track is traversing, and less like a scenery divider. All that aside, almost any scenery is better than no scenery, and it helps keep the layout from looking like the Plywood Pacific.

 

[stationmaster]

Karl, my Dad, in addition to being a certified train nut was a certified gun nut, too. And my Granddad, collected military weapons from wars past. Dad was into "performance" weaponry. I inherited ALL of those guns. I actually have a custom made gun safe. A safe within a safe just for Dad's guns. I surely don't want those things hitting the streets in the wrong hands. Semi-auto conversions? Not hardly. These are the real McCoys. I just sold a 1927 Thompson to a collector. Complete with violin case. A real Elliot Ness looking rig. And don't worry, I have enough ammunition to make things interesting.

Myself, I like lighting wooden matches at 500 yards. Accuracy is foremost in my opinion. But, I guess if one puts enough lead into the air, he's bound to hit something. I adhere to the Carlos Hathcock philosophy, "One shot, one kill."

Again, how many "roller skate" cars can pull a 13,000# boat. Even if it were just to cross the street? Seems like the Feds want me to get rid of my boats too. And my generator for those stormy, powerless nights? Those things absorb the fuel.

Got a visit from a lady today. Seems her SIL works at the nursing home we are building the layout for. Her son, who is 8, wants a layout and is suffering from some sort of cancer. Though completely curable, I won't have the time to build another before moving. I told here that I would talk to some of the others to see if they would take it on. I felt really bad to have to say "no" for myself, but I won't have the time. I hope that a few ofthe others can accommodate her.

I finally got a P2K BL2!!!!! ebay!!! $33. A Monon at that!!!

Gotta go.

Bob

 

[wheeler1963]

Larry, OK, glad you told me about the phone not working up there!! How do I get a hold of you once I get to Franklin??? Also, check your emails, I need an answer on that unit I asked about by tomorrow.

Remember Jerome, my cell phone doesn't work up here in the mountains & everything is still a "go".

 

[RexHea]

Man there is no problem with the Coffee Shop's financial status, this place is staying busy. Flo, you are going to need some help.
Glad to see this, I enjoy reading what all of you are up to that's always good and of course Chris that is always questionable....